Common Grammar Mistakes Even Great Writers Make

Great writers often contribute to discussions on language and grammar, but even they can sometimes falter. This article highlights two frequent grammatical errors found in both professional and literature writing: the misuse of comprise and the incorrect use of the word hence.

Understanding Comprise and Include

Comprise is a term that is often misused by even professional writers. Grammatically, comprise functions like the transitive verb include. It must have a direct object to provide a complete sentence meaning. For example:

The sentence “while no one has a commercial interest in spreading tuberculosis or polio there is a massive global lobby comprised of fossil fuel motor and infrastructure companies blocking effective action against pollution and the technologies that cause it.”

This sentence is incorrect because comprise requires a direct object. The correct form should be:

“while no one has a commercial interest in spreading tuberculosis or polio there is a massive global lobby comprising fossil fuel motor and infrastructure companies blocking effective action against pollution and the technologies that cause it.”

Some linguists argue that the prescriptive approach to language should be challenged, as common usage may support a change in language rules. However, clear and precise communication remains paramount, and maintaining correct grammar helps ensure clarity.

The Misuse of Hence

The word hence often causes confusion among writers, even professional ones. Hence typically means “from this place” or “from here to there.” Consider the following example from a common usage:

“The numeral ‘1’ in context represents the same thing as the word ‘one.’ Hence, it can be said that the two are interchangeable.”

While this sentence uses hence to introduce a conclusion, it does not correctly convey a spatial or direction sense. Instead, it suggests a future state, which is not the intended meaning. For instance:

“She got the job hence her good spirits”

Here, the word implies that her good spirits came next, which might be better explained by a word like “therefore,” which means “because of the preceding thing.”

“The numeral ‘1’ in context represents the same thing as the word ‘one.’ Therefore it can be said that the two are interchangeable.”

Therefore is more appropriate here because it indicates the reasoning behind the statement, rather than suggesting a sequence.

Correct usage of hence and other transitional words helps maintain coherence in writing and prevents misinterpretation.

Conclusion

Even great writers can make grammatical mistakes, and understanding the proper usage of terms like comprise and hence can significantly enhance the clarity and precision of written communication. By paying attention to these details, writers can ensure their work is clear, concise, and effective.